Filip Filipi, previously known as Sin, has emerged an unprecedented icon, defiant from the rubble and chaos that enveloped the Balkans. Successful rap artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Filip has far exceeded any expectations of him since moving to Canada in 1994. CEO and founder of his own independent label, Sizzerb Inc., selling over 50,000 units, the artist has also expanded into The Cartel Argentina Clothing range, Sizzerb productions, and 4AM Graphics to name but a few projects.
An aspiring basketball player, Filipi was scouted for University teams but after a major injury was forced to redirect his drive and ambition into a more creative medium. Sin, his alter ego was presented in 2005, breaking through the already saturated underground rap scene with his launch of 1389 Records. A fresh, authentic approach to music, Filipi has climbed above his Canadian counterparts who mimic the style and beats of American hip-hop. By his own admittance, the artist moulds his beats around the heart of the music; the lyrics. These are what have distinguished him from his peers, using real life experiences, genuine passion and an artful approach to expression to connect to people on a deeper level. Earlier works were dominated by a strong, controversial connection to the issues dividing the Balkans which he complemented masterfully by sampling traditional Serbian music giving him a unique niche.
Confidence, an amassing fan-base and sheer determination resulted in the frequent consecutive release of compilation CD’s, this has made Filip the top selling mixtape artist in Canada. His debut, Sizzerb Volume I, presented by DJ Vlad was also featured as a ‘Top Pick’ on MTV Mixtape Mondays. This success was followed by his Sizzerb Volume II (Sin City), presented by the notorious Nu Jerzey Devil and Big Mike, selling a staggering 9,000 units in only four months, with Str8hiphop.com ranking Sin the #22 artist to look out for in 2006, for achieving recognition in the international circuit like no other artist in 2005 after his successes in Serbia, Canada, and the United States. Sizzerb Volume III (Opium Garden) was released in September 2006 presented by Green Lantern and DJ Scream, and subsequently Filip released a European version of this album in collaboration with urban clothing company K1X.
The ‘Rane’ mixtape triptych began in 2006 with Volume I with prominent Serbian rap group VIP. After the huge success of this mixtape Filip went on to create Rane Volume II in collaboration with Elitni Odredi in 2008 and finally composing Rane III with various artists in 2009. More recently in 2008 Filip put together the mixtape Vijetnam, hosted by Sasa Pavlovic in-keeping with the demand from his Serbian fans. Filip then grasped the attention of 13.7 million households internationally when his single “Boom”, from album The Supreme Poet, was used for a dance routine on the season finale of the number one rated Fox show “So You Think You Can Dance”. The mixtape was released in August 2008 and presented by Gucci Mane. This calibre of coverage hailed a new era for Filip Filipi as an artist, a commodity, and icon.
The transition from underground into mainstream rap and hip hop has been an invigorating experience for both Filip and his audience. Shedding the Sin alter-ego, the emancipation of Filip Filipi hails an unpredictable year for such a promising act. Currently filtering through major record deals open to him, Filip maintains his integrity and authenticity, vowing to only sign with the label who will catapult him on his own terms. In a scene satiated with the superficial Filip is putting real substance back into the music, combined with a sharp, poetic style bringing him a cut above the rest. The twenty-three year old has more recently released the highly anticipated mixtape project If He’s King Then I’m God. These will serve as the basis for Filip’s evolution from an underground hit to a professional career in the mainstream. The most recent release, hosted by the urban maestro DJ Smallz is The Introduction of Filip Filipi, the final instalment of the ten mixtapes released under the ‘Sin’ alias. This marks the complete metamorphosis into a more poised and professional sound that many have prophesised and long anticipated.
Next on the agenda is the release of two studio albums currently under construction; Gemini’s Die, and Vavilon, expected in 2010. Filip is gaining yet more momentum, a raw rapture is electrifying the air around this talented young artist, and we can only wait to see him work his Midas touch on a newer, bigger canvas.